41 Secret Santa Gifts Under $25
Secret Santa exchanges are a fun idea—until you realize you don't know your recipient all that well. Luckily, these Secret Santa gifts under $25 are here to help (without going over your price limit).
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Ahh, yes. The Secret Santa exchange. This love-it or hate-it holiday tradition is here for 2022, and we found the perfect presents. No matter who you’re shopping for, we found gift ideas everyone will love. And the best part? None of them will break your budget!
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a fun way to give Christmas gifts in a large group since you only shop for one person. It’s a popular exchange in offices, big families and amongst friends.
How does Secret Santa work?
To set up a Secret Santa exchange, every participant adds their name to a pool. Then, each group member takes a turn randomly selecting a name. You buy a present for the person you’ve selected, and the person who draws your name buys a present for you!
Most Secret Santa exchanges also include a price limit. Anywhere between $15 and $50 is typical.
For the Soup Lover: Nessie Ladle
The best Secret Santa gifts help your recipient warm up on a chilly day. And this fantastical Nessie ladle makes serving helpings of soup, chowder or chili a whimsical experience. Plus, she’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Which, dare we say it, is the greatest gift of all!
For the Stylish Coworker: Tiled Monogram Mug
A coffee mug is a safe Secret Santa gift idea for a coworker, but you can take it up a notch by giving this gorgeous, personalized, French bistro-style mug. It’s available in nearly every letter of the alphabet—so now there’s no longer an excuse for mixing up mugs in the break room.
For Kids: Squishmallow Mystery Box
Kids (and kids at heart) will shriek with delight when they unwrap this Squishmallows mystery box. It includes a mix of three oh-so-soft 8-inch toys that are ready for cuddling. This makes for a great St. Nick gift, too.
For the Baker: Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract
Need a gift for a baker? You can’t go wrong with a bottle of the good stuff. This 4-ounce bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract will amp up cookie dough, cake batter, buttercream and any other sweet bakes.
For the Person Obsessed with Self-Care: Premium Hand Sanitizer
We’re all using hand sanitizer like crazy these days—so why not gift one that’s at least cute? This hand sanitizer comes in a pretty package, has a fresh grapefruit scent and is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like aloe and glycerin to combat dry hands. It also makes a great stocking stuffer!
For the Disney Adult: Holiday Starbucks Tumbler
A dream is a wish your heart makes. And if her holiday wish is to rope drop at Disneyland, well, this Starbucks ceramic travel tumbler is the next best thing. We love the retro-inspired pattern featuring Mickey, Minnie and Santa, among other motifs.
For the Snail Mail Sender: Card Set
Sending a sweet note to a friend is a guaranteed way to make their day. We love this inspirational “Send Your Feelings” card set featuring colorful cards, envelopes and stickers. Messages like “You Got This” and “The Best Is Yet to Come” are ideal for sending a pick-me-up via snail mail.
For the Pet Parent: Custom Pet Ornament
For the person who can’t stop talking about her furbaby, this custom pet ornament is the way to go. Choose from a variety of bows and stain colors to create a Secret Santa gift as unique as Fido. Unwrap more holiday pet gift ideas.
For the Dram Drinker: Personalized Whiskey Stones
Need a gift for a new brother- or sister-in-law or a boss you’re looking to impress? Custom whiskey stones are a solid choice. These stones are hand-cut from natural soapstone, which is renowned for its ability to hold a chilled temperature for long periods of time.
For the Cookie Queen: Holiday Cooling Rack
If your Secret Santa is well-renowned for their dazzling array of holiday treats, give them a pretty yet practical gift. We love this holiday cooling rack for its ample size and the fact that it double as holiday kitchen decor. Choose from a tree, gingerbread man or snowman shape. It’s an ideal gift for cookie bakers! Speaking of decor, take a look at these Homegoods Christmas decorations.
For the Animal Lover: Sloth Sponges
Doing the dishes is a drag. But these hanging sloth sponges will make the chore a little more fun. We love the included wooden branch for hanging a sponge in your sink.
For the Holiday Movie Lover: Hot Chocolate Mix
Unlike most grocery store powders, this luxe hot cocoa drink mix is made from actual chocolate shavings that melt down into a creamy, rich beverage when mixed with hot milk. Top with homemade marshmallows for a downright decadent experience. While classic bittersweet chocolate is always a safe choice, you can also buy Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate mixes in other flavors like double dark, salted caramel and peppermint.
For the Person Who Wishes It was St. Patrick’s Day: Guinness Mug
Pay homage to your favorite pint (and holiday!) with this Guinness embossed mug. I collect mugs, and this is one of my all-time favorites thanks to its hefty weight, easy-to-grab handle and adorable toucan details. I mean, can you think of a better vessel for Irish coffee?
For the Breakfast Club: Mini Snowflake Waffle Maker
Breakfast lovers, rejoice! This adorable mini waffle maker has everything your recipient needs to whip up a snow day breakfast. This clever gift for cooks makes adorable 4-inch waffles in mere minutes. Pass the syrup, please!
For the Person Who’s Always Cold: Blanket Scarf
The coworker or friend who’s always cold will enjoy unwrapping this oversized blanket scarf. Available in over a dozen colors and patterns, this pretty accessory is ideal for any occasion.
For the Candle Lover: Christmas Candles
Just about anyone can appreciate a candle, especially when they come in scents as appealing as these. Each of the six small candle tins in this Etsy gift comes with a holiday-ready scent, from Christmas Tree Farm to Sparkling Mistletoe—perfect for a Secret Santa gift exchange. Not to mention Christmas candles make great gifts for coworkers.
For the Chocoholic: Truffle Gift Box
Chocolate is one of the safest Secret Santa gifts you can buy. And this truffle gift box from Seattle Chocolate adds a whimsical, festive spin. We love the “little red riding raccoon” packaging and assortment of delicious flavors. San Juan sea salt truffle, anyone?
For the Snoopy Fan: Peanuts Holiday Apron
For the person who watches A Charlie Brown Christmas on repeat, gift this adorable holiday apron featuring Snoopy and the gang. It’s available in both child and adult sizes, features pockets and is adjustable so every giftee can find the perfect fit.
For the Golfer: Personalized Tees
Fore! The golfer on your squad will go bunk-ers over these personalized tees. Pick from natural wood or white tees, then add an engraving of their name, special date, cheeky saying or other text.
For the Witch or Wizard: Harry Potter Ice Molds
Still waiting on that Hogwarts letter? Gift the next best thing with these Harry Potter ice molds. They make everything from cocktails to pumpkin juice look downright magical.
For the Adventurer: 100 Things to do Poster
For the brother who’s always bored or the parents who just retired, consider this “100 Things To Do” scratch-off poster. They’ll get a variety of exciting prompts, such as “stay up until sunrise,” “switch off personal devices for 48 hours” and “learn a second language.”
For the Tailgate Guy: Can Cooler
Take game day to the next level with a YETI insulated can cooler. This tailgate essential holds cans of beer, seltzer or soda and keeps them ice cold for hours. Choose from over 10 pretty colors and, for an additional fee, customize with text or graphics. Talk about a great gift for beer lovers!
For the Gardener: Italian Seed Collection
The budding gardener or chef on your list will love unwrapping this collection of Italian-inspired herb seeds. With seeds for basil, thyme, sage, parsley, and oregano, they’ll have everything they need to whip up delicious Italian recipes.
For the Homebody: The Hygge Game
As winter approaches we’ll be spending more time indoors, so why not keep occupied with a fun and cozy game? The Hygge Game is designed to spark conversation and bring people together. Since it doesn’t involve game pieces, spinners or other accessories, The Hygge Game can even be made Zoom-friendly for distant gatherings.
For the Sweet Tooth: Chocolate-Covered Cookies
Trust us—your coworker who’s always running to the vending machine will be very appreciative of these chocolate-covered sandwich cookies. They’re simple, elegant and downright delicious! Want more ideas? Consider gifting a food-of-the-month club.
For the Barista: Electric Milk Frother
With over 30,000 positive Amazon reviews, this electric milk frother is a top-rated Secret Santa gift for coffee lovers. It’s the secret to making cafe-inspired beverages at home. Once you’ve mastered it, check out these other must-have coffee products. Here are the best Amazon Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
For the Teen or Tween: Boba Tea Keychain
Help your young family member dress up their backpack with a boba tea keychain. This trendy accessory lights up and replicates their favorite drink. Plus, it’s one of the cutest TikTok-famous products you can buy.
For the Faraway Friend: State Tea Towels
If your Secret Santa gift exchange crosses state lines, these colorful tea towels are a fun gift for far-away friends. Each includes sweet graphics and an ode to your state of choice.
For the Plant Mom: Mini Terrarium Kit
Know an aspiring plant parent who can’t, uh, keep their flora alive? This DIY terrarium kit makes the perfect Secret Santa gift. It includes everything the recipient needs to build three faux terrariums. No watering required! More creatives on your list? Check out these gifts for crafters or sewists.
For the Entertainer: The Cheese Board Deck
For the hostess on your list, this set of 50 food board ideas is a must-own. These creative cards go way beyond basic charcuterie, with themes like “Build Your Own BLT,” “Crudit-Yay” and “Baked Brie.” Each card includes a gorgeous photo, ingredient lists and expert tips. It’s one of our favorite cheese board gift ideas!
For the Astrology Queen: Zodiac Socks
Imprinted with their Zodiac sign, these comfy socks will help your friend stay cozy as she interprets her star chart. Bonus: Each pair is made with sustainable materials, too.
For the Person Who Likes It Hot: Pepper Jelly Set
This jelly collection is a fun and tasty choice for a spice-loving in-law or acquaintance. The spreads are delicious on plain toast, but they really come alive when served on crackers or used as a glaze on chicken or pork. Pair with some crackers and a bottle of wine for an easy, inexpensive gift basket.
For the Mini Golf Champ: Desktop Mini Golf
The King of the putt-putt course can practice his game all. day. long. with this mini golf pinball game. Three balls and two scoring pegs effortlessly turn this gift into a family- or office-wide competition!
For the Puzzler: Pretty Jigsaw Puzzle
If your recipient can’t swing a trip to France, this jigsaw puzzle is a thoughtful consolation prize. It offers the soothing scene of a Paris street, complete with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
For the Bird Watcher: Window Bird Feeder
Want to feel closer to nature? This handy window bird feeder is a good first step. It attaches directly to glass for a personal view of cardinals, bluebirds, chickadees and more.
For the BBQer: Meat Claws
Make the most of a BBQ with these hilarious meat claws. They’re designed for lifting and shredding everything from pork to chicken, plus they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. This gift for grillers is our top pick at a White Elephant gift exchange, too.
For the Candy King: Sugarwish Care Package
Candy is a classic Secret Santa gift—but what if you don’t know what your recipient likes? Take out the guesswork with Sugarwish. This genius service lets you prepay for a candy box, then the giftee picks out all of his favorites. Read our Sugarwish review for the full scoop.
For the Tea Drinker: Infuser Cup
We could all use a bit of extra self-care this year, which is why this tea cup makes such a thoughtful gift. It includes a reusable strainer that the recipient can fill with their favorite loose leaf teas.
For the College Student: Premium Popcorn
For a crowd-pleasing snack, try this oh-so-sweet candy popcorn set from Harry & David. It offers a salty and sweet treat with both classic caramel and milk chocolate flavors. You’ll love these college care packages for students, too.
For the Craft Coffee Drinker: Latte Set
Everything your giftee needs to make an amazing latte—wrapped in a cute little box. Copper Cow Coffee offers coffee and creamer sets in flavors like salted caramel, churro and lavender.
For the Winter Lover: Warm Mittens
These plush mittens may be even cozier than Santa’s. Lined with oh-so-soft faux fur and available in five gorgeous hues, this practical Secret Santa gift is a welcome choice.
Check out these best holiday gifts under $50, too.
